[1] I can’t find my immunization records. What should I do?

• The first thing you should do is contact the physician’s office or clinic where you received your immunizations; they may still have your records.
• If your records cannot be found you have two options:
  • If you are positive you have received the immunizations in question, you can have titers drawn (please consult the pre-entrance form for titer requirements). Titers demonstrating immunity to the disease will satisfy your pre-entrance requirement for that specific disease. A copy of your official titer results must be submitted with your pre-entrance form.
  • If you are unsure whether or not you have received the immunization, it would be in your best interest to get the immunizations to satisfy your pre-entrance requirement. Then, submit record of your immunizations with your pre-entrance form or have a physician sign your pre-entrance form verifying you received the immunizations in question.

[2] What is accepted as proof of immunizations and titers?

• A copy of your official immunization record, stamped and/or signed by the physician’s office is required if a physician does not sign your pre-entrance form.
• A copy of your official quantitative laboratory report must be included when submitting titers to meet your health requirements. A signed note from your physician stating immunity to a disease does not satisfy this requirement.

[3] I submitted my pre-entrance form to Student Health Service. What is the best way to check that my form has been received and that all the needed information has been submitted?

Once you submit your pre-entrance form (and all the required documentation) check your student portal for updates concerning your health holds.

[4] Do I need a physician signature on my pre-entrance form?

If you provide a copy of the requested official records, a physician signature is not required on your pre-entrance form.

[5] What should my physician know before signing my pre-entrance form?

• The date of the physician’s signature cannot pre-date any of the immunizations or the PPD results listed.
• If the physician’s signature pre-dates any of the immunizations/PPD results on your pre-entrance form, the official record must be submitted with your pre-entrance form.

[6] The physician signed my pre-entrance form before all my immunizations were completed. What should I do?

For immunizations administered after the date the physician signed your pre-entrance form you will need to submit the official record of those immunizations.

[7] The physician signed my pre-entrance form. Do I still need to submit my official immunization records and titer report?

• If a physician signed your pre-entrance form (on the day of or after the most current immunization listed) a copy of your official immunization record is not needed.
• If you had titers drawn, Student Health Service must have a copy of your titer lab report on file before your health hold can be cleared (even if a physician signed your pre-entrance form).

[8] I am allergic to a specific immunization. What should I do?

A note from your physician, documenting an allergic reaction to the immunization in question, is required. This documentation will be reviewed by the Student Health Service physician.

[9] I am pregnant but not up-to-date on my health requirements. What can I do?

If you are pregnant and unable to receive immunizations, you will need a note from a physician verifying your pregnancy and your approximate due date. This will allow Student Health Service to temporarily clear your health hold until your baby is born.

[10] What are the pre-entrance health requirements for non-degree students?

Non-degree students have no pre-entrance health requirements.

[11] What happens if I cannot complete an immunization series prior to the registration deadline?

• Student Health Service will grant you temporary clearance, which allows you to register for classes, if an immunization series is in process.
• If the immunization series is not completed in the allotted time, a hold will be placed on your registration portal preventing you from registering for classes until the needed immunization is administered.

[12] What is the difference between the Td and Tdap immunizations?

The Td (tetanus, diptheria) vaccine will only activate your body’s immune defenses against the tetanus and diphtheria diseases. The Tdap vaccine will help your body build immunity against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

[13] What are the Tuberculosis (TB) screening requirements?

• As an incoming student you are required to have a TB skin test administered within 6 months prior to the beginning of your program.
• Once you begin your program, an annual TB screening is required to maintain “current student” status. A “hold” will be placed on your registration portal , preventing you from registering for classes, if your TB skin test is out-dated.

[14] Where can I be screened for Tuberculosis (TB)?

• A TB skin test (PPD Mantoux) can be administered at Student Health Service or the healthcare facility of your choice. To satisfy the TB health requirement, your TB skin test must be read by a medical provider within 48 to 72 hours from the time the test was administered. If you have a TB skin test administered off campus, documentation must include:
  • Date test administered
  • Signature of medical provider administering test
  • Date of test read
  • Final test results in mm
  • Signature of the medical provider reporting the test results

[15] What happens if I test positive for Tuberculosis (TB) or have tested positive in the past?

• If you are an incoming student, you must submit a chest x-ray report (taken within 1 year of the start of your program) to meet the TB health requirement. Chest X-rays remain current for 5 years.
• Every year you are enrolled as a student you will need to submit a “Signs and Symptoms” form; this will satisfy your annual TB screening requirement.
• If your chest X-ray expires while you are attending Loma Linda University, a current chest X-ray will be required.

[16] How many vaccinations are needed to complete the Hepatitis B immunization series requirement?

• The Hepatitis B immunization requires the completion of 3 injections which are optimized when administered at “0” months (1st injection), 1 month (2nd injection), and 6 months (3rd injection).
• If you are submitting your immunization record, but have not completed the entire series before your registration deadline, you will receive temporary clearance in accordance with the suggested injection time-line listed above. Temporary clearance allows you to register for classes while an immunization series is in progress.

[17] I have had Chickenpox. Does the history of disease satisfy the Varicella (Chickenpox) pre-entrance health requirement?

To satisfy the Varicella health requirement, students have two options.:

• You can submit a quantitative IgG Antibody titer report verifying your immunity to this disease.

OR

• You can submit records verifying that you have received the Varicella immunization series (2 injections administered at least one month apart).

[18] Do I have to do the Ishihara test?

Only students accepted into the Clinical Laboratory Science or Cytotechnology program must complete the Ishihara test.

[19] I received an immunization off-campus. What do I need to do to get my health hold removed?

You need to submit a copy of the official record for that immunization to Student Health Service.

[20] I am a current student and need a copy of my immunization record. What should I do?

• If you need your immunization records faxed or mailed you will need to submit a Medical Records Release Form (link to PDF) to Student Health Service. You can fill out this form in person at Student Health Service or fax it to our office.
• If you would like to pick up your records in person, call Student Health Service 2 – 3 days ahead to allow time to process your request.